Relay Protection Devices Research Articles

Ensuring Stable Operation of Wind Farms Connected to Distribution Networks

Wind farms with type IV wind turbines from various manufacturers are being massively put into operation. These wind turbines comply with the requirements of the grid codes of the countries where they are designed and/or manufactured, but do not factor in the specific features of the distribution networks of other countries to which they are connected. The study at issue involves a comparative analysis of the requirements of grid codes of different countries for the stable operation of wind turbines under standard disturbances. The low voltage ride through (LVRT) characteristic makes it possible to prevent wind turbine shutdowns in case of short-term voltage dips of a given depth and duration. The calculations of transient processes indicate that wind turbines may not meet the requirements of the grid code of a particular country for their stable operation. As a result, standard disturbances will block the reactive current injection and the wind turbine will be switched off. This is often caused by the relay protection devices with a time delay of 1–2 s, which are used in distribution networks and implement the functions of long-range redundancy. Excessive shutdowns of wind turbines lead to emergency rises in the loads for the generating units of conventional power plants, aggravating the post-accident conditions and disconnecting consumers of electricity. This article presents a method for checking the LVRT characteristic settings for compliance with the technical requirements for wind turbines. To prevent wind turbine outages, one should either change the configuration of the LVRT characteristic, upgrade the relay protection devices in the distribution network adjacent to the wind farm, or implement group or individual technical solutions at the wind farm. The performance of the proposed technical solutions is confirmed by the calculations of transient processes.

OUT–OF–STEP protection in rotating generation networks for hydrogen fuel production. Modeling conditions to test its algorithms

The testing of relay protection devices is an extremely important task on which the stable and safe operation of the power systems depends. One of the most complex and responsible kinds of protection in networks with rotating generation, which includes hydrogen fuel generation, is protection against loss-of-synchronism. Integration of heterogeneous generating electrical devices based on renewable energy sources and based on a hydrogen fuel cell is associated with the need for reliable relay protection. It disconnects tie-lines between the systems in out-of-step conditions. And it is a challenging task to simulate input signals corresponding to the exact settings of the out-of-step protection to make sure it operates correctly. This is because one has to simulate exact parameters of impedance locus (its radius, coordinates of the center in the impedance plane, spin direction, speed, etc.) while available tools embedded in testing devices often don’t support such parameters directly. To deal with the problem, the authors present the approach to simulate instantaneous values of line currents and phase-to-ground voltages during the out-of-step operation. These electrical signals form the locus of the impedance vector with the desired parameters to test the operation of the out-of-step protection devices. The software based on the proposed algorithm also provides a graphical representation of the simulation results. All the proposed solutions proved to reduce the time required for commissioning of out-of-step protection and thereby increase tests quality and speed.

Maintenance of RZA equipment according to technical condition

Subject of research: methods of maintenance and adjustment of relay protection and automation devices (RPA) in electrical power systems. Purpose of research: analysis of existing maintenance and adjustment methods, development of proposals for their optimization to increase the efficiency and reliability of electrical power systems. Methods of research: the research used methods of analysis of regulatory documents, survey of specialists and analysis of publications. Main results of research: identification of a lack of standardization of procedures, problems with personnel qualifications and the discrepancy of some devices with the declared characteristics. The findings highlight the need to develop unified approaches to maintenance and commissioning, as well as improve the professional training of specialists. The results of the study can be used to improve the practices of maintenance and adjustment of relay protection and automation systems, which helps to increase the reliability of electric power systems.

Resonance Suppression Method Based on Hybrid Damping Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Multi-Parallel Converters

The parallel operation of multiple LCL-type converters will result in a deviation of the resonant frequency and resonance phenomena. The occurrence of harmonic resonance can cause problems such as an increase in harmonic voltage and current. This can lead to the malfunction of relay protection and automatic devices, causing damage to system equipment. In severe cases, it can cause accidents and threaten the safe operation of the power system. A hybrid damping active disturbance rejection control (HD-ADRC) method is proposed in this paper to suppress the harmonic resonance of parallel LCL-type converters. First, a third-order linear disturbance rejection controller (LADRC) including the linear extended-state observer and the error-feedback control rate is designed based on LCL-type converter model analysis. The proposed method considers the resonance couplings caused by both internal and external disturbances as the total disturbance, thus improving the anti-disturbance capabilities as well as the operational stability of converters in parallel. Then, a hybrid damping control is proposed to reconstruct the damping characteristics of converters to suppress the parallel resonance spike and reduce the resonance frequency offset. And the parameter selection of the control system is optimized through a stability analysis of the tracking performance and anti-disturbance performance of the HD-ADRC controller. Finally, all the theoretical considerations are verified by simulation and experimental results based on the Matlab/Simulink 2018B and dSpace platform. The simulation and experimental results show that the PI controller gives a THD of 5.33%, which is reduced to 4.66% by employing the HD-LADRC, indicating an improved decoupling between the converters working in parallel with the proposed control scheme.

Определение факта насыщения магнитопровода трансформатора тока на основе непрерывного измерения сопротивления цепи намагничивания

Saturation of electromagnetic current transformers in transient modes of operation of an electric power system can lead to incorrect operation of relay protection devices. One of the most promising directions to improve the stability of the operation of relay protection devices in such modes is digital correction of secondary current. Currently, effective methods have been developed to restore the secondary current based on determination of magnetic circuit saturation. However, the practical application of these methods is impossible due to the imperfection of existing methods of secondary current segmentation. Thus, it is urgent to develop a method to determine saturation for implementation of digital correction algorithms for electromagnetic current transformers. To solve the stated problem, methods of mathematical modeling of electrical circuits containing transformers and the small-disturbance theory have been used. Verification of the research results is carried out in the Matlab software package. A mathematical criterion is formulated to determine the saturation of the magnetic circuit of an electromagnetic current transformer based on the inductance of the magnetization circuit. A method of segmentation of the secondary current has been developed for the implementation of digital correction algorithms based on the proposed criterion. The effectiveness of the developed method to determine the saturation of the magnetic circuit of an electromagnetic current transformer using computational experiments in the Matlab software package is demonstrated. It is planned to verify the developed method using a physical model of an electromagnetic current transformer.

Development of a fuzzy logic-based model for assessing the reliability of relay protection systems

This article presents a reliability assessment model for relay protection devices using fuzzy logic. It introduces an algorithm for simulating these devices, employing the Mamdani model with an "if-then" rule base. Inputs include the percentage of correct operation and the frequency of correct and incorrect operations. Implemented in Matlab with 21 rules, the fuzzy logic model uses triangular membership functions for input and output variables, with defuzzification via the center of gravity method. The model was tested using statistical data from SIEMENS SIPROTEC terminals, specifically distance protection and differential protection devices for transformers and autotransformers. The assessment considers operation frequencies for 1 to 3 devices, combining statistical and simulation data for a comprehensive analysis. Results show that including operation frequencies improves evaluation accuracy. The proposed model not only assesses current reliability but also predicts future behavior, aiding in the planning and optimization of relay protection systems. This model is valuable for professionals in generating companies, grid organizations, and operational dispatch control entities, helping them analyze relay protection performance and develop strategies to ensure reliable operation. The research focuses on the reliability of relay protection devices in power systems, addressing the need for a more accurate and comprehensive evaluation method. Traditional methods may not fully account for the complexities in modern microprocessor-based protections. This study aims to enhance reliability assessments through a model that integrates statistical data and simulation techniques, ultimately supporting better planning and optimization of relay protection systems

Research on the analysis method of power system relay protection action characteristics based on fault recording data

The action characteristics of power system relay protection devices can well analyze whether the relevant actions are correct. An analysis method of relay protection action characteristics in power system based on fault recording data is designed. After analyzing the relay device structure and protection action characteristics and requirements, the power system relay protection action record data recorded by the fault recorder; The second order RC low-pass filter is used to preprocess the recorded data; The filtered data is input into the analysis model of relay protection action characteristics based on SVM algorithm. The SVM algorithm classifies whether the relay protection action characteristics recorded by the filtered fault recording data meet the expectations, and completes the analysis of power system relay protection action characteristics. The experimental results show that this method can effectively analyze the operation characteristics of power system relay protection, and can accurately check whether the relay protection device can operate correctly.

Modeling of double ground fault modes in power supply systems of non-traction consumers of railway transport

THE PURPOSE. Development of digital models to determine the modes of double ground faults in 6-10 kV overhead signaling lines supplying signaling, centralization and automatic blocking facilities.METHODS. To create the models, methods of multiphase modeling of electric power systems were used, based on the use of lattice equivalent circuits from RLCelements connected according to complete graph circuits. For modeling, the industrial software package Fazonord, developed at the Irkutsk State Transport University, was used.RESULTS. The developed models provide correct accounting of all factors influencing the modes of double ground faults, including increased electromagnetic influences of the traction network. In contrast to known approaches, the dynamics of changes in these influences caused by variations in traction loads during train movement are modeled.CONCLUSION. The proposed approach to modeling double ground fault modes is universal and can be used for standard traction power supply systems, as well as promising high-voltage traction networks. The results obtained can be used in practice to configure relay protection devices for overhead signaling lines in order to reliably detect double ground fault modes and take measures to eliminate them. In addition, the modeling methodology presented in the article can be used when selecting measures to improve the reliability of power supply to signaling and automatic blocking facilities that ensure the safety of train traffic, as well as to develop methods and algorithms for determining distances to places of double ground faults in overhead power lines feeding signaling facilities , centralization and autoblocking. The presented results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach for modeling double ground fault modes.

Single Event Effect Protection Design of Output Module of Relay Protection Device

Abstract A design scheme for single event effect protection of output modules has been proposed, which combines software and hardware to solve the problem of output relay misoperation or refusal to operate caused by single event effect in the output module of relay protection devices. The core idea is to use dual path independent logic processing in software and dual circuit combination driving control in hardware to ensure that the output of the relay protection device will not misoperate when single event effects occur. The error detection and correction of instruction processing code is designed for MCU on-chip instruction storage areas that are easily affected by single event effects. It executes cyclically, allowing the output module to quickly return to normal after single-event effects occur, ensuring that the device output will not refuse to operate when it is expected to operate. When an irreparable error is detected, the output power supply is locked to ensure that the device output does not misoperate. Based on the experimental verification results, the reliability of the relay protection device is improved through the above methods.

Investigating safety precautions for linking photovoltaic and wind power generation to the grid

The grid integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power has received significant research attention, however, there remains a vast scope for exploration and improvement. Specifically, the discourse around relay protection and safety automatic devices in these power generation methods has been somewhat limited during the grid connection process. This article endeavors to investigate the technical obstacles encountered by photovoltaic and wind power grid protection mechanisms and crucial equipment, amidst the steady growth of renewable energys share in the power grid. This exploration is considered advantageous. The aim is to study and summarize existing research on protective measures and automation equipment for photovoltaic and wind power generation during grid connection, to promote technological innovation and development in this field. This paper critically assesses studies conducted so far on the topic of relay protection and automation hardware used in grid-connected solar and wind power generation, underscoring the significance of different protection techniques and their pivotal roles in ensuring system safety during grid connectivity. It then dives into the present obstacles and constraints that these technologies contend with. In conclusion, it suggests a few potential areas and anticipations for prospective research.

Experimental simulation of the generation of microwave radiation during the interaction of a lightning discharge with an aircraft

On a specialized testing installation — a high-voltage Marx generator, which allows the formation of a spark discharge up to 20 meters long, the process of the impact of lightning radio emission in the microwave range on an aircraft (AC) is simulated. A metal AC model made on a scale of 1:50 was placed in a 9 m long rod-plane spark gap. A positive voltage pulse was applied to the high-voltage electrode from the generator (front 100 μsec, duration 7500 μsec). The generated spark discharge passed through the AC model. It was found that when the spark channel passes through the body of the model, electromagnetic pulses of the microwave range with a duration of less than 500 psec and a rise time of less than 100 psec arise. The measurement of the resulting microwave pulses was carried out using special radio equipment in the subnanosecond range. High-speed photography of the discharge development, carried out synchronously with electromagnetic measurements, showed that microwave pulses (up to 10 GHz) arise at the stage of development of the spark discharge leader in the part of the “high-voltage electrode – insulated model” gap. Such pulses can be considered as a factor dangerous for various AC microwave radio systems, when the AC is struck by lightning, as well as for other objects, including power facilities, which contain equipment with microelectronics. Such microwave pulses can also occur during nearby lightning discharges (for example, in a lightning rod of a power substation), when a powerful streamer corona occurs on devices and wires of ultra-high voltage lines), and when a high-voltage spark discharge occurs when switching equipment (disconnectors, arresters) is triggered. In this case, disruptions are possible in the operation of control equipment (for example, relay protection devices) that contains microelectronics, as well as various communication means available at electric power facilities operating in the microwave range (above 1 GHz).

Разработка и исследование подхода к обработке сигналов цифровых измерительных трансформаторов тока и напряжения

During the development of secondary systems of stations and substations, including relay protection, automation, control, electricity metering, etc., qualitative changes have recently occurred due to the introduction of digital technologies. The introduction of digital technologies is supported by innovative development programs such as “Digital Transformation 2030”. The introduction of digital technologies is associated with the use of digital data transmission channels according to uniform standards. Projects of “digital substations” are being actively implemented with the transmission of digital information at all levels, including the primary equipment, the transmission of information both from current and voltage measuring transformers, and from switching devices. Currently, digital instrument transformers are actively being developed and implemented, in which information about measured currents and voltages is presented in digital code. New approaches to measure primary currents and voltages, and transmit information pose new challenges, and open prospects for improving signal processing methods used for relay protection purposes. Thus, the relevant aim of the study is the development and research of approaches to digital processing of signals of digital instrument current and voltage transformers. To solve the problems posed within the framework of this study, analytical and numerical solution methods have been used. Numerical methods are applied using software products such as MathCAD and the Python programming language to generate signals and display them on graphs. To substantiate the reliability, verification of the results obtained by different methods is carried out. The authors have formulated an approach to digital processing of signals obtained using current sensors of a digital instrument transformer. The authors have studied the approach to determine synchronized current vector values by processing information received from primary current converters. The characteristics of the algorithm for obtaining a vector have been analyzed and the dependences of errors on the influence of distorting factors have been plotted. The proposed approach is a development of the existing approach to obtain a vector by getting information from current sensors operating on different physical principles. The results show the advantages of the proposed method. The proposed digital signal processing algorithm is more technically expensive since it contains at least two metrologically calibrated measuring channels instead of one. However, all other things being equal, it allows to increase the accuracy and speed of the digital processing algorithms taken as a prototype. The results obtained can be used to formulate algorithms for measuring relay protection devices.

Intelligent Monitoring of Protection Devices in Power system with Enhanced Faster R-CNN

Relay protection devices are necessary to guard the power system safety and stability. With the significant number of substations and relay protection devices, the maintenance workload has become difficult due to limited manpower, posing hidden dangers to the reliable operation of protection devices. In view of this, this article proposes an enhanced Faster R-CNN algorithm to diagnose the relay protection devices based on image monitoring. The proposed algorithm uses RestNet50 as the main tool to recognize features from input images to generate feature maps. Meanwhile, to improve the image detection accuracy, the Non-Maximum Sup-pression (NMS) algorithm in regional suggestion network (RPN) is optimized from solid thresh-old to soft threshold. By combining the images captured by the surveillance camera, intelligent inspections are conducted on the status of the pressing plate, fiber bending, external object retention, and other items in the relay protection device. A great number of samples are used to train networks for different tasks. The results indicate that the enhanced Faster R-CNN has a higher image recognition rate, and the recognition accuracy of each inspection item for the protection device is higher than 95%.

Differential protection scheme for distribution network with distributed generation based on improved feature mode decomposition and derivative dynamic time warping

With the progress of communication technology, the cost of optical fiber and 5G continues to decrease, and data transmission becomes more convenient and fast, making it possible to realize differential protection of distribution network by various intelligent algorithms using signal waveforms. Aiming at the problem that the traditional relay protection device can not meet the actual demand when the single-phase ground fault occurs in the distribution network with distributed generation, this paper proposes a new differential protection scheme. The characteristic mode decomposition improved by the whale optimization algorithm is used to decompose the zero-sequence current waveform collected at both ends of the line. Based on the basic principle of current differential protection, the derivative dynamic time warping of the component with the largest fault feature can effectively solve the problem that the grounding current of the distribution network cannot meet the working requirements of the differential protection device, and ensure the safe and stable operation of the system. Finally, based on MATLAB software, the performance of this method is comprehensively evaluated by simulating different fault conditions, so as to ensure the feasibility and accuracy of this method in the case of diversified faults when the distributed generation is used as part of the power supply.

Quantitative evaluation method of operation reliability of substation relay protection device based on improved neural network algorithm

With the increase in power demand and the increasing complexity of the power grid, the operation of relay protection devices in substations is often unreasonable. Therefore, a quantitative evaluation method of operation reliability of relay protection devices in substations based on an improved neural network algorithm is proposed. The time-varying probability of misoperation of relay protection in substation is calculated based on the improved neural network algorithm, identifying misoperation behavior of relay protection device, obtaining the optimal hyperplane decision function, selecting kernel function, and construct a quantitative evaluation function of operation reliability of relay protection device. In the evaluation process, two stages of the evaluation process are carried out, namely, reliability block diagram analysis, failure mode evaluation, and verification of relay protection device operation state, so as to complete the reliability quantitative evaluation. The experimental results show that this method can minimize the error of evaluation training and improve evaluation efficiency. At the same time, the error rate is small, which can be controlled within 0.5%.

Analysis of a nuclear power plant’s responses to the open-phase fault of preferred power supply

This paper explores the phenomenon of open-phase fault of nuclear power plants for preferred power supply, focusing on three distinct scenarios, normal operation, start, and overhaul. For each scenario, the paper discusses the responses of existing relay protection devices, which are crucial for detecting and mitigating open-phase faults. These responses vary depending on the impedance at the fault location and the load rate of the plant. This paper highlights that open-phase faults can lead to three-phase imbalances in the power system, but their impact on voltage levels is not always straightforward due to the transformer and motor compensation effects. Additionally, the paper identifies blind zones in open-phase fault detection, where existing relays may fail to respond effectively, leading the plant to enter a station blackout state. In conclusion, the research underscores the importance of open-phase fault detection and protection in nuclear power plants. It reveals potential vulnerabilities in existing relay configurations and emphasizes the need for enhanced monitoring and safety measures to prevent extended plant operation under open-phase fault conditions.

Reliability Analysis and Improvement Strategies of Microcomputer Relay Protection Devices

Reliability Analysis and Improvement Strategies of Microcomputer Relay Protection Devices

A comprehensive performance evaluation algorithm for substation secondary equipment: An improved analytic hierarchy process entropy weight and learning vector quantization neural network approach

AbstractThis paper introduces a comprehensive performance evaluation algorithm explicitly designed for secondary equipment in substations, specifically targeting the relay protection system. In contrast to the current evaluation systems, this novel method navigates the complex internal interconnections and mechanisms inherent within secondary system equipment. Such complications have previously impeded the accuracy and breadth of evaluations, thereby limiting the degree of precision and innovation attainable within substations. The proposed approach effectively integrates the improved Analytic Hierarchy Process entropy weight (IAHP‐EW) method with the Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) neural network. Initially, the IAHP‐EW method identified the comprehensive evaluation indicators and their corresponding weights for relay protection devices. Following weight allocation, these evaluation indicators are scrutinized and computed utilizing the multivariate regression analysis algorithm, resulting in performance evaluation outcomes for the relay protection system. These outcomes are subsequently classified and utilized in training the LVQ neural network, promoting the network's capacity to autonomously evaluate the performance status of the relay protection system. To corroborate the viability and effectiveness of this proposed performance evaluation and prediction algorithm, empirical operating data from a local substation is used. The results suggest a significant improvement in the evaluation accuracy of secondary equipment performance, indicating potential for practical application and a valuable contribution to the field through the introduction of a novel approach to performance assessment of substation relay protection systems.

NUMERICAL AND LABORATORY SIMULATION OF TRANSFORMER SATURATION DEPENDING ON THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE CURRENT

In case of short circuits in electric power systems, emergency modes are possible, accompanied by saturation of transformers. With them, significant distortion of current signals occurs in the secondary winding of the transformer with the appearance of an aperiodic component and harmonics, the level of which is comparable to the signal at the main industrial frequency. The requirements for relay protection and automation devices imply the need to determine the time from the onset of the transient process to the onset of distortion of the current signal in the secondary winding.
 
 The purpose of the study is to analyze the saturation of the transformer depending on the initial phase of the transition process.
 
 Materials and methods. The PSCAD platform was used to model the power system section. The model makes it possible to qualitatively describe the saturation of a step-down transformer in the event of a short circuit on the low side, taking into account hysteresis phenomena in the magnetic system. Experimental verification was carried out in laboratory conditions using a measuring (intermediate) current transformer.
 
 Results. It is shown that, depending on the phase of the current at the moment of the beginning of the transient process, the pattern of saturation and, accordingly, the distortion of the current changes significantly. The distortion of the time waveform of the current signal in the secondary winding of the transformer can begin both after fractions of the period of the power frequency signal, and after several periods.
 
 Conclusions. The assessment of transformer saturation modes should be carried out taking into account the fact that the initial conditions for transient processes during short circuits are random. In the analysis of such processes, it is necessary to take into account the phase shift between current and voltage.

Evaluation of Single Event Upset on a Relay Protection Device

Traditionally, studies have primarily focused on single event effects in aerospace electronics. However, current research has confirmed that atmospheric neutrons can also induce single event effects in China’s advanced technology relay protection devices. Spallation neutron irradiation tests on a Loongson 2K1000 system-on-chip based relay protection device have revealed soft errors, including abnormal sampling, refusal of operation and interlock in the relay protection device. Given the absence of standardized evaluation methods for single event effects on relay protection devices, the following research emphasizes the use of Monte Carlo simulation and software fault injection. Various types of single event upsets, such as single bit upsets, dual bit upsets, and even eight bit upsets, were observed in Monte Carlo simulations where atmospheric neutrons hit the chip from different directions (top and bottom). The simulation results indicated that the single event effect sensitivity of the relay protection device was similar whether the neutron hit from the top or the bottom. Through software fault injection, the study also identified soft errors caused by neutron induced single event upsets on the Loongson 2K1000 system, including failure to execute, system halt, time out, and error result. And the soft error number of system halts and error results exceeded that of time outs and failures to execute in all three tested programs. This research represents a preliminary assessment of single event effects on relay protection devices and is expected to provide valuable insights for evaluating the reliability of advanced technology relay protection devices.